As you can imagine, the horror of Friday’s shooting and bombing was particularly difficult for our family. As many of you know, my wife is Norwegian but her pain was heightened by the fact that the shootings took place just about 20 miles from her home.

Indeed Lake Tyrifjorden, (where the shootings occurred), is a beautiful tranquil sight that I've driven past several hundred times on the way to visit family and the hotel Sundvolden, which overlooks the area, is where my wife and I along with Alan Olley (Kathy Taylor's husband) sat and had lunch after he had taken photos of us for an OK magazine shoot.

I still cannot believe that something like this can have happened in a country like Norway and I'm sure that many Norwegians are thinking the same. Norway is a peaceful, lovely, very open country which welcomes all and has a very tolerant and family-centred culture that's envied around the world.

The fact that the shooting killed so many young people is particularly distressing, as I know my family will know, very personally, many people who have been affected by this.

I will be visiting the country soon and am dreading having to drive by this most terrible scene. My deepest condolences to the whole of Norway.

Simon x

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Ditto. I cannot believe how this guy has admitted to carrying out this slaughter, yet has pleaded not guilty. This is the most dangerous kind of murderer, the one who believes that what he has done is right and proper even though, legally, it is anything but. The number of families which will have been devastated by his actions is, in personal terms, immeasurable. In a case such as this, where his culpability is not in question – indeed, he appears to be proud to admit to it – that the death penalty ought to be automatic.

Hi Simon, so very sad for Norway find it hard to believe things like this keep happening around the world when will this human race we are all part of learn to be kind to each other for want of a better way of putting it.I cant even begin to imagine what the families are going through my condolences go to all and I just pray they are brave to carry on helping each other through this terrible ordeal.I must agree the punishment should be fatal for the monster who did this.

Hi Simon, Yes it has been such a heartbreaking time, and my loving thoughts are very much with Norway, so much carnage out of the complete nonsense going on in that creature’s mind. May I send my love to you and your family, and especially your wife and her family in Norway at this extremely difficult time. It is such a beautiful country. Love Sadie x

Simon, I am so glad that you mentioned this most horrific event as it gives me a chance to relay my condolences to all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. My arms reach out to all those who lost a loved one; so many young people as you said, absolutely heartbreaking. Thinking of them all and I’m sure I will for a very long time to come.

Thank you all so much for your heartfelt condolences which I shall pass on to my family when I see them. I believe the Norwegians have shown the world a thing or two with the dignified way they have dealt with this tragedy: No asking for the death penalty, no screaming at people trying to attach blame, but a simple request to be more democratic, more inclusive and more open and loving! I admire their response enormously.
Simon X